In an extraordinary event, Wisdom, a Laysan albatross and the oldest-known wild bird, laid an egg at 74 on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross renowned for her longevity, has once again captured the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike. At the impressive age of 74, Wisdom has laid an egg, marking her first egg production in four years. This event was confirmed by the Pacific Region of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service through a recent announcement on their Facebook page.
Having returned to Midway Atoll, located at the northwestern end of the Hawaiian Archipelago, Wisdom has potentially laid what experts believe might be her 60th egg. Since 2006, she, along with her then mate Akeakamai, made the atoll their nesting ground to lay and hatch eggs. However, in recent years, Akeakamai has been absent, prompting Wisdom to form a bond with another male during her most recent return.
Supervisory wildlife biologist Jonathan Plissner expressed optimism about the egg hatching. Every year, millions of seabirds make their way back to Midway Atoll to nest and raise their young. The traditional behavior of albatross couples involves taking turns in incubating their eggs, which typically takes about two months, followed by chicks departing for the sea approximately five to six months post-hatching.
The story of Wisdom is remarkable not only because of her age but also due to her journey since being first banded as an adult in 1956. Over the decades, she has successfully raised around 30 chicks. While the average lifespan of a Laysan albatross is 68 years, Wisdom’s continued vitality and ability to reproduce stand out.
The life of an albatross mainly unfolds over the vast oceans, where they spend their time flying and feeding on squid and fish eggs. Wisdom’s life is a testament to the resilience and endurance of these seabirds.
The persistence and longevity of Wisdom, a symbol of natural resilience, continue to inspire both admiration and scientific interest, as she embarks on yet another chapter by laying an egg at Midway Atoll.
Source: Local10
